GB560602A - Improvements in magnetic devices for transmitting energy - Google Patents

Abstract

560,602. Magnets. TRIST & CO., Ltd., R., and CHAMBERS, W. A. Aug. 22, 1942, No. 11855. [Class 35] [Also in Group XXXVII] A magnetic device for transmitting energy, and which may be used for operating an electric switch, comprises an actuated permanent magnet or composite magnetic structure which is magnetically retained in a position of rest but which can be moved upon the relative movement of an actuating permanent magnet or magnetic structure which provides an actuating field independent of the magnetic retaining forces. As shown in Fig. 1, a movable structure comprising magnets 6, 7 secured, with a gap 8 between them, to a non- magnetic sector 12 is pivoted at 9 so that it may be moved between stops 13, 14 adjacent the poles in a fixed arcuate magnet 3, the movable structure normally being retained against one or other of the stops by the magnet 3. An annular actuating magnet 1 having a gap 2 surrounds the magnets 3, 6 and 7, the gap at the field 2 reacting with the field at the gap 8 to snap the movable structure from one stop to the other as the magnet 1 is rotated past the gap 8. Continuous rotation of the magnet 1 causes the sector 12 to oscillate between the two stops. In a modified construction, the sector 12 carries only one magnet and the polarity of the magnet 1 is such that the movable magnet is moved by repulsion, whilst in a further similar construction the annular magnet 1 is arranged at right angles to the magnet 3, its periphery extending into the gap between the magnets 6, 7. A switch, operated by a mechanism similar to that shown in Fig. 1, comprises a cylindrical casing 14, Figs. 2 and 4, closed at one end by a plate 15 through which extends the shaft 16 of an operating knob 17, the shaft carrying a flanged disc 23 to which is attached arcuate magnets 20, 22, the magnets 21, 22 being bridged by a magnetic material 26. The other end of the casing is closed by an insulating disc 18 carrying a shaft 19 upon which are pivoted pairs of sectors 35, 36 and 40, 41, each pair of sectors clamping between them permanent magnets 33, 34 and 38, 39 respectively, these pairs of magnets co-operating with fixed magnets 28, 29 and the sectors being moved by rotation of the disc 23. Contacts such as 46, 48, are carried by insulating bushings 50 bolted to the pairs of sectors and co-operate with fixed contacts secured to the insulating disc 18. Fig. 10 shows an arrangement wherein rotation of an actuating magnet 90 first causes 'the actuated magnets 91, 92, to move from the rest position shown into the position of Fig. 11 and then to revert to their original position. Movement of the magnets 91, 92 is limited by stops 93, 94, 95, which are so arranged that when the magnets are actuated their upper ends are still spaced apart a greater distance than are the lower ends, so that when the gap. in the magnet 90 passes the position shown in Fig. 11 the greater attraction between the poles of the lower ends of the magnets 91, 92 causes the-upper ends to open. In a modified arrangement, a spring may be arranged between the lower ends of the magnets 91, 92. In another construction, a sector 107, Fig. 13, carrying magnets 105, 106 moves within the gap of a fixed magnet 109, the polarity of the different magnets being as shown so that the sector 107 normally takes up a position of rest in the centre of the gap. The sector is, however, diverted either towards the south or the north pole of the magnet 109 by movement of a gapped annular actuating magnet 110. In a similar arrangement, Fig. 8, segmental magnets 80, 81 are moved from one position of rest to another between stops 89 by actuating magnets 85, 86 which may be rotated about the pivot 82 of the magnets 80, 81. Fig. 14 shows an arrangement in which a magnet 115 is reciprocated along a guide 116 arranged between the poles of a fixed magnet 119 by oscillation about an axis 123 of a lever 122 carrying at its, ends magnets 120, 121. Specification 553,168 is referred to.